Exotic Animals: Working as a Vet in Florida

Veterinarians everywhere work with a variety of animals on a daily basis. But thanks to differences in climate and geography, some veterinarians specialize in local animals that other states simply don’t have.

Florida, with its tropical climate and unique species, is a prime example.

Veterinary Specializations in Florida

Because of Florida’s unique flora and fauna, veterinarians in the Sunshine State have to deal with a bevy of exotic animals.

These include poisonous bufo toads, alligators (some are even kept as pets), lizards and venomous snakes like the coral snake and the cottonmouth/water moccasin. Many of these animals live near or in lakes, rivers and ditches.

Florida vets help inform the public about the dangers of these animals. But in the inevitable event that a human or animal is exposed or injured, these vets (along with Fish and Wildlife representatives), can be called to respond at the scene. They may capture, care for, or euthanize the animals as necessary. Aquatic (or marine) animals are another area of veterinarian specialization common to Florida.

A relatively new specialty, aquatic animal veterinarians tend and treat aquatic invertebrates, sea turtles, marine mammals like dolphins and manatees, and a variety of fish.

Aquariums employ aquatic veterinarians because animals in captivity require special treatment and medication. In fact, getting trained in aquatic veterinary medicine in Florida can help prepare you to work at aquariums across the country.

A specialization in aquatic animals can include a research concentration in environmental science, wildlife health, aquaculture medicine, and clinical research.